This easy-to-make Pressure Cooker Beef Stew is the perfect cold-weather comfort food. Even though this hearty stew only takes less than an hour to make, it will taste like you let it cook all day.
This pressure cooker beef stew recipe is a classic, old-fashioned one. It comes from a version my mom made for me on the stove when I was a kid.
The best part is that this Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe only takes 12 minutes to cook and can be on the table in less than an hour. You can make it whenever you want something warm and hearty.
This was the recipe I got the most requests for in 2019, so I added new pictures and a video to show how easy it is.
Gravy beef is a classic comfort food that is beloved by many. When braised long and slow in a rich gravy, beef becomes fall-apart tender while absorbing all the delicious flavors However, traditional recipes can take several hours to prepare This is where using a pressure cooker can be a game changer! With a pressure cooker, you can make tasty gravy beef in a fraction of the time.
In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about cooking gravy beef in a pressure cooker. We will look at:
- Benefits of using a pressure cooker
- How long to cook gravy beef in a pressure cooker
- Step-by-step instructions
- Tips for best results
- Delicious pressure cooker gravy beef recipes
So if you want to enjoy melt-in-your-mouth gravy beef without spending hours slaving over the stove. read on!
Benefits of Cooking Gravy Beef in a Pressure Cooker
Here are some of the biggest benefits of using a pressure cooker for gravy beef:
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Speed – The pressurized environment allows food to cook up to 70% faster. Gravy beef can be ready in 30-45 minutes instead of several hours.
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Flavor – The condensed steam infuses the beef with more intense gravy flavors.
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Tenderness – The high heat tenderizes tough cuts like chuck or brisket into fall-apart goodness.
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Convenience – Almost everything can be dumped into the pot at once for easy prep and clean up.
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Nutrition – Pressure cooking retains more vitamins and minerals compared to slow cooking methods.
For those short on time but wanting a hearty beef meal, a pressure cooker is clearly the way to go!
How Long To Cook Gravy Beef in a Pressure Cooker
Cooking time can vary slightly based on cut, size, and doneness preference. However, here are general pressure cooking times for gravy beef:
- Chuck roast: 35-40 minutes
- Brisket: 45-55 minutes
- Beef tips/stew meat: 15-20 minutes
- Pot roast: 25-35 minutes
Always check beef for tenderness before removing from heat. If still tough, simmer for 5-10 minutes more until fork tender.
For electric pressure cookers, make sure to factor in the time it takes to build up pressure (10-15 minutes) and naturally release pressure after cooking (10-15 minutes).
Now let’s look at the complete steps for cooking perfect gravy beef in a pressure cooker every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pressure Cooker Gravy Beef
Follow these simple steps for tender, flavorful gravy beef.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef (chuck roast, brisket, stew meat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth or stock
- 1⁄4 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut beef into 2-inch chunks and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Select “Sauté” on Instant Pot and heat oil. Brown beef pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Add onions to pot and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute more.
- Pour in broth, wine, and any browned bits from bottom of pot. Scrape up any stuck on bits.
- Add beef chunks back into pot along with any accumulated juices.
- Lock lid and close pressure valve. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set time based on cut of beef.
- Allow 10-15 minutes for pressure to build then 10-15 minutes for natural release after cooking completes.
- Remove beef chunks from pot and set aside.
- Make a slurry by mixing cornstarch and 1⁄4 cup water. Bring gravy to a simmer and stir in slurry until desired thickness.
- Season gravy with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve beef chunks smothered in gravy over mashed potatoes or rice. Enjoy!
And that’s it! With these simple steps you can enjoy fork-tender gravy beef in under an hour with your pressure cooker.
Tips for Best Results
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most flavor and tenderness out of your pressure cooker gravy beef:
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Pat beef dry before browning to get a nice sear.
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Use a heavy bottomed pressure cooker for even heat distribution.
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Cut beef into uniform chunks for even cooking.
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Add aromatics like onions, garlic, herbs, and spices to infuse flavor.
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Deglaze cooking juices from pot before pressure cooking.
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Use a natural pressure release to allow meat to continue tenderizing.
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Simmer gravy after cooking to reduce and thicken.
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Mix cornstarch slurry just before adding to gravy for ideal thickness.
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Check seasonings and adjust salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.
Taking a little extra time with prep and following these tips will give you amazing gravy beef every time from your pressure cooker.
Satisfying Pressure Cooker Gravy Beef Recipes
Here are two top-rated pressure cooker gravy beef recipes to try:
Pressure Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 lbs beef tips or stew meat
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1⁄2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Pat beef tips dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Select “Sauté” on Instant Pot and heat oil. Brown beef in batches. Remove and set aside.
- Add onions and sauté 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Whisk in flour until onions are coated. Slowly pour in broth while whisking.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and beef tips with juices.
- Lock lid and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Allow 10 minute natural release.
- Remove bay leaf. Mix 2 tbsp water with 1 tbsp flour. Gradually stir into gravy until thickened.
- Season gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over mashed potatoes.
Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chuck roast, fat trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1⁄4 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut roast into 2-inch chunks and season with salt and pepper.
- Select “Sauté” and heat oil. Brown beef in batches then remove and set aside.
- Add onions and sauté 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add broth, wine, tomato paste, and thyme. Scrape bottom of pot to deglaze.
- Return beef chunks to pot along with juices.
- Pressure cook on high for 35 minutes. Allow 10 minute natural release.
- Remove beef chunks and tent with foil.
- Mix cornstarch and 2 tbsp water. Simmer gravy 10 minutes then stir in slurry.
- Season gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve roast beef topped with gravy.
So grab your pressure cooker and try out these amazing gravy beef recipes. In less than an hour you can be enjoying tender, hearty, and comforting beef smothered in rich gravy. Let us know if you have a favorite pressure cooker gravy beef dish!
How Long Can You Store Leftovers?
Leftover stew can be stored in your fridge for three to four days. If you’d like it to keep longer, you’ll need to freeze it. I prefer to freeze soups and stews in individual portions for a quick and easy meal.
How to Make Beef Stew in the Instant Pot or Any Brand of Electric Pressure Cooker
This recipe for Pressure Cooker Beef Stew can be used in ANY electric pressure cooker brand, like the Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or Power Pressure Cooker XL.
I took my mom’s original recipe and simplified it a little. I like to use small new potatoes so I don’t have to peel and dice them. I also cut my carrots and celery into bigger pieces.
Instant Pot Beef Tips Recipe
FAQ
How long does it take for beef to get tender in pressure cooker?
How many minutes for beef in a pressure cooker?
Meat, Poultry
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Cook Time, (minutes)
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Beef, pot roast, rump, round, chuck, or brisket, 3 to 4 lbs. (1.4 to 1.8 kg)
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45-60 (15 mins per pound)
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Beef, ribs, short, for grilling
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15
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Beef, ribs, short, for stewing
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25
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Chicken breasts, with bones, 2 to 3 lbs. (0.9 to 1.4 kg)
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8-10
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Can you overcook beef stew in pressure cooker?
Can you pressure cook beef too long?
How long do you cook gravy beef in a pressure cooker?
The cooking time for gravy beef in a pressure cooker can vary depending on the recipe and the size of the beef chunks. For example, if you are making a recipe that calls for smaller beef chunks, such as beef tips, you may only need to cook them for 20-30 minutes on high pressure.
How do you cook gravy beef in an Instant Pot?
To prepare the gravy beef for pressure cooking, start by cutting the meat into two or three big chunks that will fit inside the pot. Season the beef with salt and pepper on each side. Next, turn on your Instant Pot to the saute setting and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to heat up.
How long do you cook beef ribs in a pressure cooker?
When oil is hot, brown the meat in small batches, do not crowd. When all the meat is browned, add onion to pressure cooking pot and saute until tender about 3 minutes. Add browned meat and beef broth to onion in pot, cover and lock lid in place. Select High Pressure and 15 minutes cook time.
How long do you Pressure Cook beef stew meat?
It may not be the most ideal cut of meat, but you can use it for this recipe. If it’s normal beef stew meat, try to use bigger cubes with more marbling, and just lightly brown the meat. Then adjust the pressure cooking time to Pressure Cook at High Pressure 10 minutes to 15 minutes, then Natural Release for 10 minutes.